IP Addresses Explained: Shared and Dedicated IPs

This article explains what an IP address is, the difference between a shared IP address and a dedicated IP address, and when a dedicated IP may be beneficial for your Bluehost hosting plan.

• What Is an IP Address?
• Shared IP vs Dedicated IP address
• Can I Get a Dedicated IP With My Hosting Plan?
• Summary

What Is an IP Address?

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique set of numbers—such as 123.45.67.89—that identifies a device or server connected to the internet. Much like a physical mailing address, an IP address tells computers where to send and receive information.
Your computer or browser cannot communicate with a website unless it knows the IP address of the server hosting that site.
IP addresses work together with the Domain Name System (DNS), which acts like a global address book. When you type a domain name (for example, example.com) into your browser, DNS translates that domain into its corresponding IP address and connects you to the correct server. This process happens automatically within seconds.

Shared IP vs Dedicated IP Address

• A shared IP address - is used by multiple websites hosted on the same server. Even though many domains share the same IP, DNS ensures visitors are directed to the correct website. It’s common for dozens—or even hundreds—of websites to operate on a single shared IP without issues.
  Shared IPs are:
  • Included by default with most Shared and Reseller hosting plans
  • Cost‑effective and easy to manage
  • Suitable for the majority of personal and small business websites
• A dedicated IP address - A dedicated IP address is assigned exclusively to a single website or hosting account. No other domains on the server use that IP.
  With a dedicated IP:
  • Your website has its own unique address on the internet.
  • The IP does not change unless requested or required.

For most users, a shared IP works perfectly well. A dedicated IP is typically only necessary if you have specific technical requirements.

Can I Get a Dedicated IP With My Hosting Plan?

Dedicated IP availability depends on your Bluehost hosting type.

• Shared Hosting - At this time, Shared Hosting plans do not include dedicated IP addresses by default. Most shared sites do not require one.
• Reseller Hosting - Reseller Hosting plans also use shared IP addresses and do not support dedicated IP assignments.
• VPS Hosting - All VPS Hosting plans include at least one dedicated IP address.
  Additional IPs may be available upon request, subject to availability and justification.
• Dedicated Hosting - All Dedicated Hosting servers include one or more dedicated IP addresses, depending on the server configuration.
  Additional IPs may be requested and are subject to approval based on usage requirements and registry policies.

Bluehost follows Internet Registry guidelines (such as ARIN) for IP address allocation and may require justification before assigning additional IPs.

Summary

An IP address is a unique identifier that allows websites and devices to communicate over the internet. Understanding the difference between a shared IP address and a dedicated IP address helps Bluehost users decide which option best fits their needs.
Most websites use a shared IP, which is included with Shared and Reseller Hosting plans. Dedicated IPs are available with VPS and Dedicated Hosting and are generally needed only for specific technical or networking requirements.